So close to a deal they just can’t finish it #nlpoli
As CBC reported on Friday, a spokesperson for Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter says it is just an “update” meeting. "As you know this is a very important project for…
Edward Hollett
Why People in Corner Brook (and elsewhere in NL) are Worried #nlpoli
About four years ago, your humble e-scribbler pointed out a fundamental strategic problem with the way the provincial Conservatives spent money. The premise was pretty simple: at the same time…
There’s no greater fraud… “unsustainable” version #nlpoli
The provincial Conservatives promised on Tuesday that they had a 10 year plan to reduce the provincial debt. They have been in office since 2003. in that time they boosted…
Finlandia
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Trouble near mill: the Corner Brook hospital #nlpoli
The 2012 provincial budget includes $1.4 billion in capital works but none of it is apparently connected to two hospitals.. How long should it take to start construction work on…
That didn’t take long: public sector negotiations #nlpoli
Here’s what your humble e-scribbler said on Wednesday morning about the fact the provincial government didn’t include any amount in the 2012 budget to cover salary increases: Pull the other…
More significant budget digits #nlpoli
3%: The amount by which Premier Kathy Dunderdale said she and her colleagues would be cutting spending in the current budget. As the Telegram editorial pointed out on Wednesday: Instead…
Oil and Democracy #nlpoli #cdnpoli
Michael Ross contends there is a relationship between oil revenues and democracy. Crudely put: oil hinders democracy. First, the oil-impedes-democracy claim is both valid and statistically robust; in other words,…
Another Tom Marshall masterpiece #nlpoli
You’ve gone through the media reports and heard the interviews and comments from pundits and politicos alike. Now you want a better idea of what is going on and what…
The rule of opposites, Penashue edition #nlpoli
Federal intergovernmental affairs minister Peter Penashue wrote a letter to the Telegram to take issue with a previous correspondent in the province’s largest circulation daily: In a letter you published…
Significant budget digits #nlpoli
As you try and contain your excitement on provincial budget day, here are a few numbers you might want to keep in mind: Dozens: What CBC reported on Friday as…
No truer words #nlpoli #cdnpoli
“When you wage an ideological war,” wrote Lana Payne this past weekend, “lies are necessary weapons.” Payne, for those who don’t know, is president of the province’s labour federation and…
Muskrat Voodoo #nlpoli #cdnpoli
A Canadian Press story on Muskrat Falls this week starts with economist Brendan Sullivan’s recent critique of Muskrat Falls: He said in an interview that the province and its Crown…
If Danny didn’t have the balls for it… #nlpoli
Job cuts in the public service. One of the more spectacular communications frig ups by the Premier lately. Here’s what your humble e-scribbler said on March 6: So if Danny…
The essence of bribery #nlpoli #cdnpoli
Authorities in Quebec have their hands full with a raft of corruption investigations, according to the Globe and Mail. This paragraph toward the end of the Globe story stands out:…
Tightening up EI access #nlpoli #cdnpoli
People drawing unemployment insurance in the Atlantic provinces might be in for a new way of life in the near future, if changes to the Employment Insurance system turn out…
Good bye to KP #cdnpoli
Kingston Penitentiary – the oldest federal prison in Canada - will close this year as part of the federal Conservative’s get tough on crime agenda…err…budget cuts. Some people are predicting…
The Budget-Spending Disconnection #nlpoli
The provincial government announced on Wednesday that they will spend $2.0 million to fund new child care spaces across the province. Through Budget 2012, the Provincial Government remains committed to…
The Wet Bandits, Taliban version
One mid-level Taliban commander turned himself in to Afghan authorities in order to collect the reward mentioned on the BOLO poster local authorities issued for him. According to the Washington…
Sick parade #nlpoli
When you are home with a cold, there’s not much to do besides doze and read. And when you are a political nerd at home with a cold, what better…